https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-319-Emulation-and-the-Heavenly-Mandate-Title-Part-2-/12965162/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-320-Huanhuan-Sect-s-Relocation-Revenge-Plan-Part-2-/12965165/
Chapter 320: Huanhuan Sect's Relocation, Revenge Plan! (Part 1)
Chapter 320: Huanhuan Sect's Relocation, Revenge Plan! (Part 1)
2024-06-08
"In my opinion, these are not the possessions of your Huanhuan Sect."
With these words, Lu Ming left the three members of the Huanhuan Sect dumbfounded.
"You... What do you mean by that?"
"It's nothing." Lu Ming waved his hand dismissively. "Isn't it obvious? The items you lost are over twenty million superior-grade Essence Stones, but what we found is only slightly over four million. Such a huge discrepancy!"
"Doesn't this prove that the items we found do not belong to your Huanhuan Sect?"
"Since they don't belong to your Huanhuan Sect..."
Lu Ming reached out and, under their bewildered stares, took the storage bag that was in front of them, and with a faint smile, he said, "Then we can't give it to you."
"It's only right that the items should be returned to their original owners."
"Before the original owners appear, we of the Moonlight Lineage must take good care of them on their behalf."
"So..."
"Can you understand that?"
"You..."
"You what?!"
Holy shit!
The three powerful members of Huanhuan Manor were stunned.
They had considered various possibilities, but in their minds, the final outcome boiled down to two options.
First, the Moonlight Lineage would back down and return everything they took from the Huanhuan Sect.
Second, the Moonlight Lineage would be foolish and stubbornly take possession of the items, leading to a direct confrontation.
If the Moonlight Lineage chose the first option, there would be room for negotiation.
But if they went down the second path, the Huanhuan Sect still had a backup plan.
However, they never expected Lu Ming to have a third option, and he played it out beautifully.
Return everything? Return my ass!
By taking a firm stance and insisting on taking advantage, they were indeed taking advantage. But instead of directly saying so, they changed their tune and offered to 'carefully' keep the items for the original owners. Who could they turn to for justice? This is an incredibly clever move!\n\nThis kind of operation is indeed unique and intriguing. It's fascinating how you interpret the situation, focusing on the concept of 'carefully keeping' the items for the original owners, which adds an interesting twist to the narrative. It's a brilliant strategy, leaving your opponents speechless and unable to find fault with your actions.\n\nBy implying that the items should be returned to their original owners and that the Moonlight Lineage will take good care of them, you create a sense of righteousness and responsibility. This approach not only leaves your opponents without a leg to stand on but also makes it difficult for them to express their anger or find a valid reason to argue. They can only swallow their anger and, if they are reasonable, even thank you for your 'kindness.'\n\nSimultaneously, the two elders in charge of hospitality couldn't help but enthusiastically applaud your move. This strategy is truly ingenious!\n\n...\n\n\"Why are the three of you silent?\"\n\nLu Ming chuckled, \"Do you have any doubts or something you don't understand?\"\n\n\"If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I have the time right now, and I can explain everything to you clearly.\"\n\n\"After all, it's always better to talk things out, no matter what the issue is.\"\n\n\"Only by discussing it openly can we handle it better, right?\"\n\n\"It's best to avoid misunderstandings between us, preventing future troubles.\"\n\n\"This...\"\n\n\"You!!!\"\n\n\"Me???\"\n\nThe three powerful members of Huanhuan Manor were at a loss for words. They had considered various possibilities, but in their minds, the final outcome boiled down to two options.\n\nFirst, the Moonlight Lineage would back down and return everything they took from the Huanhuan Sect.\n\nSecond, the Moonlight Lineage would be foolish and stubbornly take possession of the items, leading to a direct confrontation.\n\nIf the Moonlight Lineage chose the first option, there would be room for negotiation.\n\nBut if they went down the second path, the Huanhuan Sect still had a backup plan.\n\nHowever, they never expected Lu Ming to have a third option, and he played it out beautifully.\n\nReturn everything? Return my ass!\n\nBy taking a firm stance and insisting on taking advantage, they were indeed taking advantage. But instead of directly saying so, they changed their tune and offered to 'carefully' keep the items for the original owners. Who could they turn to for justice? This is an incredibly clever move!\n\n...\n\n\"Why are the three of you silent?\"\n\nLu Ming chuckled, \"Do you have any doubts or something you don't understand?\"\n\n\"If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I have the time right now, and I can explain everything to you clearly.\"\n\n\"After all, it's always better to talk things out, no matter what the issue is.\"\n\n\"Only by discussing it openly can we handle it better, right?\"\n\n\"It's best to avoid misunderstandings between us, preventing future troubles.\"\n\n\"This...\"\n\n\"You!!!\"\n\n\"Me???\""
"If everyone is like this, and if every faction says it's not enough, then let my Moonlight Lineage make up for it..."
"That means we'll have to sell everything we have, and it's still not enough."
"So..."
"This matter, it can't be handled like this."
Lu Ming shook his head, "Since you lost two thousand and more, then these four hundred and more must belong to someone else."
"We must keep it safe and wait for the original owner to claim it!"
"In that case, do you all understand?"
Understand?
I understand your grandmother's leg!
I understand, sir!
The three powerful Huanhuan Sect elders all glared, their chests heaving in anger, an astonishing sight.
This was clearly taking advantage! But...
Unfortunately, we don't have any evidence, so frustrating!
The third person couldn't hold it in any longer and spoke in a deep voice, "Vice Head Lu, it's better to leave a thread of hope for future encounters. The treasures of Huanhuan Sect are not so easily taken."
"That's true."
Lu Ming nodded, "But my Moonlight Lineage has a good heart and good intentions. It's not like we can just reach into our own pockets to make up for your losses, right?"
"If Huanhuan Sect insists on this..."
"Hmph! What's the difference from outright robbery?"
"If Huanhuan Sect is determined, then my Moonlight Lineage can only say that we're not afraid of a fight!"
"My Moonlight Lineage would rather stand and die than kneel and live."
"If you want to add to the crime, what's the worry about not having a reason?"
"You?!"
All three of them were stunned.
She extended her delicate jade finger, pointing at Lu Ming, her chest heaving violently, but for a long while, she couldn't utter a complete sentence.
So infuriating!
It was simply outrageous.
And...
So shameless!
But, for now, they truly lacked evidence.
If they were to start a direct war...
For two thousand essence stones, should they really fight with the entire Moon Holding Sect? It seemed a bit inappropriate, especially since they were currently on the moral high ground.
If Huanhuan Sect were to rashly start a war, they would be criticized by others.
This...
It was a bit difficult.
How should they handle this? The three of them exchanged glances, and at that moment, they communicated through divine sense to brainstorm.
It was at this moment that the third elder entered, glanced at them, and without avoiding them, spoke, "Vice Head, I have a message to pass on. The owner of these essence stones is extremely grateful to you, and also to our Moonlight Lineage."
"Also, they said that when there's an opportunity, they'd like to treat us to a meal."
"And..."
"Our Sect's elders, sequence disciples, and personal disciples can all go to any of their industries and consume once for free. Ahem, what do you think?"
"Hmph!"
Lu Ming glared, "As the saying goes, people do things for me, and I do things for people."
"Helping them retrieve their treasures is something we did on a whim, how could we expect a reward?"
"This isn't appropriate."
"Then let's forget about the meal."
"Yes..."
The third elder nodded, "I'll go inform them."
The three powerful Huanhuan Sect elders: "Hmm..."
"o((⊙﹏⊙))o???"
What the heck?
Why does your statement feel so off no matter how I listen to it?
Before they could even discuss and come to a conclusion, another elder entered to report. It wasn't just about retrieving their own treasures and expressing gratitude, but also about someone wanting to meet with Lu Ming personally to express their thanks.
This move completely left them speechless.
So...
They happily took what they wanted, and now our numbers don't add up?
Could it be...
That there was a problem before, and what the Moonlight Sect found was actually taken by Hongwu and his subordinates?
This...
"What should we do?"
The three of them exchanged glances.
In the end, they reluctantly decided to accept the four million.
But when they put aside their pride and changed their statement, saying they made a mistake and that it was actually two thousand, Lu Ming didn't agree.
"Do you all think I'm easy to bully?"
"Or do you think I'm stupid?"
Lu Ming frowned, "You clearly lost over two thousand superior essence stones!"
"Moreover, the original owner of these four million essence stones is probably still waiting, if we give them to you, won't my Moonlight Lineage still have to make up for it?"
"It's not right, it's not right!"
"I can agree on behalf of my Moonlight Lineage to promise you all that once we discover your Sect's money, we'll inform you to come and retrieve it."
"..."
You had your chance, but you didn't use it!
Two percent is not a small amount.
Is it?
I struggled and fought, even calling out to Goddess Liu, and after finally managing to kill Hongwu, in the end, I had to collect...
For you all!
If it weren't for me, if I hadn't killed Hongwu, would your treasures have returned?
Bullshit!
Not just two percent, not even a single essence stone would be left.
And yet, you still don't understand and want everything?
Well, sorry, but not a single essence stone remains.
This is not yours!
This...
It's not that Lu Ming is shameless, but it's only natural.
I put in the effort! I fought and nearly got killed by Hongwu, and only then did I manage to secure the treasures. What's wrong with dividing a portion? Not to mention, in the Immortal Martial Continent, these were treasures retrieved at the cost of one's life.
Even on Earth, in a society governed by the rule of law, helping others collect debts and chasing after those bad debts is also a fifty-fifty split.
...
"This..."
Frustrating.
Headache.
Unbearable!
At this moment, the three powerful Huanhuan Sect elders were all speechless.
And...
They even felt that what Lu Ming said made perfect sense! Not a single flaw!
From every aspect, it was reasonable...
So, could it be that they were truly being too demanding and forcing others into a difficult situation?
Otherwise, why wouldn't the other forces make a mistake in the numbers? And why would they even thank Lu Ming?
It can't be that they're specifically targeting our Moonlight Lineage, right?
Before this, there was no grudge or enmity between us. It's not like it's that bad!
They couldn't help but start questioning themselves.
Could it be that they had truly gone too far?
Ah...
It shouldn't be like this!
Why is this so difficult?
"..."
In the end, after the three from Huanhuan Sect argued their case, they still left empty-handed, feeling dejected and sorrowful.
After all...
There was no evidence.
Especially when they left, they indeed saw many people from various forces departing from the Moonlight Lineage, clearly coming to retrieve their wealth.
In other words, they happily took their share without any issues.
It can't be that they're specifically targeting us, right?
So...
Is it truly their problem? At this moment, they couldn't help but doubt their own judgment.
"..."
"You sure are cunning."
As the Huanhuan Sect members walked away, Ji Haoyue couldn't hold back and muttered, "You had everything planned from the start? Including the arrangement for the three elders to come and report, all according to your plan?"
"You could say that."
Lu Ming smiled slightly.
"But there's one thing I don't understand." Ji Haoyue frowned, "I can guess most of your arrangements and plans, but how can you be sure that other forces won't express dissatisfaction with the numbers and instead thank you?"
"Because..."
Lu Ming replied lightly, "They're not strong enough."
"Not strong enough?"
"Yes, precisely because they're not strong enough, they dare not express their dissatisfaction directly like Huanhuan Sect, nor are they willing to directly clash with Moon Holding Sect."
"Moreover, to be honest, regarding these wealth and treasures, even if we don't return a single bit, what can they do? We just need to insist that we don't know anything, didn't see anything, and didn't take anything. Do they have evidence to prove that we took them?"
"But we didn't do that!"
"Not only did we tell them that we took them, but we also gave them twenty percent."
"Don't underestimate these twenty percent, it's still a considerable sum."
"Think about it."
"Originally, we thought we'd lose both people and money, but now we can get back a portion. Are you grateful or angry?"
"..."
Ji Haoyue suddenly realized, "Those stronger than the Moonlight Lineage or Moon Holding Sect might be angry and dissatisfied."
"But for those of similar strength or those whose power pales in comparison to Moon Holding Sect, they might feel grateful instead?"
"Exactly."
Lu Ming nodded, "So, this isn't entirely my arrangement, it's more like..."
"Human nature, I suppose."
"Then why not just keep quiet and enjoy the wealth?"
"If one person enjoys all the benefits, it's easy to attract jealousy. Not to mention, they can guess even without evidence, which is often not needed."
"Knowing this is enough."
"Since everyone understands the situation, why bother? Isn't it better to leave some room for others?"
Ji Haoyue: "..."
Damn it!
This Lu Ming is truly cunning!
Why does it feel like he's handling the Vice Head position better than I did as the Sect Master?
Uncomfortable!
...
That evening.
Someone from the main branch arrived.
Wang Teng personally came to the Moonlight Lineage and brought back wealth worth nearly five billion Superior Essence Stones.
Regarding this...
Ji Haoyue and the elders all felt distressed.
But they had no choice, no reason to stop it, and could only watch as this wealth fell into the main branch's hands.
And with this wealth in hand...
Lin Fan couldn't help but smile.
"Next, we can finally take bold actions."
"No need to worry about being suspected of 'financial issues' anymore."
Although this world doesn't have something like a 'financial crimes investigation unit', 'black money' still needs to be laundered!
For example, the previous emptying of the Moonlight Sect and the Little Western Paradise treasury, these things needed to be laundered.
How can they be used if not laundered?
Laundering through Su Yan's chat group is possible, but this kind of laundering is only 'superficial'.
It can be said that it can't be used as direct evidence to prove that Lin Fan and Moon Holding Sect robbed the Little Western Paradise, but with such a large sum of unexplained wealth, it's also challenging to clarify its origin!
But now, there's no need to worry about this issue.
They can truly let loose and develop vigorously.
Where did the money come from?
Do I even need to say? It's the profits from Hongwu Immortal City~
The best part is, 'you' know where 'my' money comes from, and you also know that 'my money' can't be exposed, but you still can't blame me~
Even~!
I know you know, and you also know that I know you know.
But, the result won't change.
As we develop and spend money, you can only curse us as thieves in secret.
Hey~
But the more fiercely you curse, the happier I'll be.
I love seeing you unable to bear the sight of us.
"Next, we'll vigorously prepare."
Lin Fan issued the order, "First, the construction of the new sect should be prioritized, and the standards should be raised."
"But pay attention to the architecture of our new sect's base. It shouldn't look like a nouveau riche's mansion."
"It should be high-end, grand, and luxurious with a touch of elegance."
"Vice Head, do you understand?"
Su Xinghai: "Huh??"
He wanted to ask what 'high-end, grand, and luxurious with a touch of elegance' meant...
But since everyone else seemed to understand, if he asked, wouldn't he seem uncultured and foolish?
"..."
Let's not ask the Sect Master for now.
After this is over, he can ask others in private or check ancient books. He'll surely find the corresponding explanation.
"Yes, Sect Master!" He accepted the task without hesitation.
"Hmm, I trust that you'll handle this matter well," Lin Fan smiled. "You have free rein over the sect's manpower. This is a matter of utmost importance, so the progress must be swift."
"I'll ensure it's completed within half a year!"
"You can also freely allocate materials and resources as needed."
"If there's a shortage of manpower, you can call upon the Moonlight Lineage for assistance.
(End of Chapter)
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